Aspire X-Cruiser
First up is a relatively mid-range priced semi-gaming themed case from Aspire. While a lot of Aspire's cases are almost too gaudy for us to consider in an article like this, the front door of the X-Cruiser is a little cleaner looking.
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Especially in the black color that we received, the glossy plastic and metal really stand out against the chrome-colored plastic on the door - something that will either make or break this system for the majority of people looking at cases in this price range. By examining the front to start, we'll begin to get an idea what this chassis has to offer.
Click to enlarge.
The front is dominated by the three included analog meters, which (from top to bottom) are sound, temperature, and fan speed gauges. The entire front is a left side-hinged plastic door that conceals the four 5¼" and two 3½" drive bays, as well as the intake for the optional front-mounted dual 80mm fans.
Click to enlarge.
The front port cluster is located on the right side towards the bottom, and not only sports the usual dual USB, Firewire, and audio jacks, but also has a volume control for both the headphone jack, and a fan controller for one case fan. A small magnet holds the door shut, and underneath that is the chrome plastic power and reset buttons along with the power and HDD activity LEDs.
Click to enlarge.
Turning the case and looking at the left side, we see the prominent rounded window with a blue fan shroud covered by a filter and logo-stamped metal. No fan actually comes mounted here, but the dual exhaust fans will pull air in through this shroud to help cool the CPU. There are also extra cooling vents in the plastic right above the expansion cards.
Click to enlarge.
Before we take a look inside the X-Cruiser, a quick glance at the back shows us that at least the case offers space and mounts for a 120mm in the rear, even though only an 80mm fan is included.
Click to enlarge.
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Phantronius - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
My P180 is the last case I'll ever buy. I love you Antec!!!leviathan19 - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
the 1200 is deeper yes but is still mid tower class it fixes the psu problems and more space is always better for work with itZepper - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link
Re. cases that come with PSUs. Either rate the PSU too or deduct the portion of the price that the PSU represents from the case price so you are comparing apples to apples price wise.. And I don't care for the looks of a lot of the cases on the market either. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My case is a Silverstone Berserker which many think is fugly...
.bh.
kmmatney - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
I don't see why people make such a big deal out of aluminum cases. In my experience, they are flimsier and louder than steal cases, and more prone to rattle. I don't see why anyone would pay so much money for one...at80eighty - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
DRTFA yet, so forgive me if its been coveredYou guys have any leads on cases with more fans?
with the new VGA's and CPU's i think a cooler case than a cooler-looking case is a better investment..
any pointers people?
johnsonx - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
RTFA, and no forgiveness for you!The Antec P180 is a quiet cooling dream I think. I looked at one on display over at Fry's and just about wet myself. Then I looked at the price tag and decided to stick with my old, free, boring, beige case. But if the price is no objection, I can't imagine purchasing anything else.
at80eighty - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
thanx mate! the p180 looks pretty sweet! the price is OK (just about) for me :)plus it doesnt have that HEY LOOK AT ME IM AN ATTENTION WHORE!!! look.
/hope this case shows up in my part of the world :-(
Cygni - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
I saw one case that i would even consider putting next to my desk.If you are supporting the case mfts making these hideous beasts by buying them, i personally hate you.
leviathan19 - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
why they used this one the 1200 is a better version and fix the psu problem...there is missing the pc75b and the TT shark those are nice cases too
OvErHeAtInG - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
The 1200 is much deeper, for extended-atx boards I think. Definitely not something I would get except for a big duallie rig.